After having gone to public schools my whole life, my family and I decided that Prout – the private, Catholic high school in town – would be a better fit for me than South Kingstown High School. The Prout School would offer me smaller class sizes, personalized learning, and a caring atmosphere. Not to mention my brother would be a senior when I became a freshman, so I would have someone showing me the ropes and looking out for me when I entered a new, overwhelming environment. Of all the characteristics that made Prout special, there was one aspect of the school that I did not realize would have such a monumental impact on me, and that was its teachers. The mentoring I received from several Prout teachers propelled me forward on my academic journey and provided me with the spiritual support to believe in myself enough to succeed.
Mrs. McKenna’s excitement about algebra and pre-calculus inspired me to put all of my effort into a subject I was intimidated by, which later helped me to see myself as a smart person who could solve difficult problems. I had always been placed in accelerated math classes, but my freshmen year geometry teacher was better at doing math than teaching math, so I began to think that math was a difficult subject that everybody had contempt for. When I get to Mrs. McKenna’s class in 10th grade, though, I soon learned that doing math problems could be incredibly fulfilling. Mrs. McKenna provided clarity of instruction and an understanding of students that I had not previously experienced in a math class. Her animated explanations of theories and equations intrigued me, and her enthusiasm made me feel like I never wanted to miss even a few minutes of class or I would miss something fascinating. I acquired a desire to do well because the more material I mastered, the more complex equations I could solve, and thus the more exciting real-life applications I would be exposed to and be able to understand. Mrs. McKenna encouraged me to continue pursuing math after high school, but even when I did not do that, she was there for me as a person. During one of my visits to her over the years, I recall her saying, “If you are ever feeling confused, pray. God will help you figure out your path.” I had forgotten God was there for me, but the teacher who prayed with me at the beginning of every math class remembered. She not only helped me become a more motivated and confident student, but she also reminded me of the support system I have when I am in times of doubt.
Ms. Kettle inspired me to read and write like I had never done before during a time when I was burnt out from twelve years of school and just wanted to put my brain on autopilot until graduation. I had Honors English first thing in the morning every day during my senior year, and Ms. Kettle’s love for her students is what got me out of bed every day even though I was so tired of playing the game of school. Ms. Kettle showed her genuine self to us, and as a young adult, I respected that, and felt like I could be my true self with her too. If there was a book we had to read because our old-school principal wanted us to read it, she would tell us that and we would read the book together in class because she knew we would not like it very much. If, however, we were reading a novel of Ms. Kettle’s choosing, she would get us so amped up to read the book that we could not wait to get to the end of it. In addition to inspiring me to actually read required texts, Ms. Kettle encouraged me to be creative in my analytic essays. One day, she even read one of my essays to the class because she thought it was so good, which made me feel like a talented writer. The memory of that experience and the many mornings getting excited about literature with Ms. Kettle have shaped me into the student I am today.
Being in Mr. Clossick’s world religions class during my senior year of high school gave me an appreciation and respect for all people, myself included. Mr. Clossick had so many ways to engage his students and help them take ownership of their education. For example, he taught us the meaning of Buddhist impermanence by letting us shave his head to show us that nothing in life is fixed, rather the self is always changing. During one very special day, Mr. Clossick invited me to teach the class about the Native American tribe I had recently learned about on a pilgrimage to South Dakota. It was under Mr. Clossick’s instruction that I learned instrumental life lessons. An interactive activity on the first day of class taught me that everyone has a different perspective that should be valued, and one particular lesson on Hinduism taught me that my identity would change over time, and that I did not have to categorize myself as a nerd or jock like my peers suggested. As a result of Mr. Clossick’s loving nature his dedication to his students, I grew into a tolerant and knowledgeable human being as a result of his class and constant mentorship.
My high school experience was an extraordinary one because of the teachers who shaped me into the person I am today. Mrs. McKenna’s encouragement in math taught me that achievements come from perseverance and lead to great discoveries. In addition, Ms. Kettle’s honest approach to reading and writing ignited an academic spark in me when I was losing steam that has helped me become the proficient reader, skilled writer, and critical thinker I am today. Last, Mr. Clossick’s loving outlook has had an incredibly lasting impact on the way I interact with others and the way I see myself. All in all, my teachers gave me the tools to achieve both academically and personally. They instilled a love of learning in me and helped me feel confident in my abilities to pursue my interests. Most importantly, my high school teachers acted as my unfaltering support system and continue to encourage me today.
After having gone to public schools my whole life, my family and I decided that Prout – the private, Catholic high school in town – would be a better fit for me than South Kingstown High School. The Prout School would offer me smaller class sizes, personalized learning, and a caring atmosphere. Not to mention my brother would be a senior when I became a freshman, so I would have someone showing me the ropes and looking out for me when I entered a new, overwhelming environment. Of all the characteristics that made Prout special, there was one aspect of the school that I did not realize would have such a monumental impact on me, and that was its teachers. The mentoring I received from several Prout teachers propelled me forward on my academic journey and provided me with the spiritual support to believe in myself enough to succeed.
Mrs. McKenna’s excitement about algebra and pre-calculus inspired me to put all of my effort into a subject I was intimidated by, which later helped me to see myself as a smart person who could solve difficult problems. I had always been placed in accelerated math classes, but my freshmen year geometry teacher was better at doing math than teaching math, so I began to think that math was a difficult subject that everybody had contempt for. When I get to Mrs. McKenna’s class in 10th grade, though, I soon learned that doing math problems could be incredibly fulfilling. Mrs. McKenna provided clarity of instruction and an understanding of students that I had not previously experienced in a math class. Her animated explanations of theories and equations intrigued me, and her enthusiasm made me feel like I never wanted to miss even a few minutes of class or I would miss something fascinating. I acquired a desire to do well because the more material I mastered, the more complex equations I could solve, and thus the more exciting real-life applications I would be exposed to and be able to understand. Mrs. McKenna encouraged me to continue pursuing math after high school, but even when I did not do that, she was there for me as a person. During one of my visits to her over the years, I recall her saying, “If you are ever feeling confused, pray. God will help you figure out your path.” I had forgotten God was there for me, but the teacher who prayed with me at the beginning of every math class remembered. She not only helped me become a more motivated and confident student, but she also reminded me of the support system I have when I am in times of doubt.
Ms. Kettle inspired me to read and write like I had never done before during a time when I was burnt out from twelve years of school and just wanted to put my brain on autopilot until graduation. I had Honors English first thing in the morning every day during my senior year, and Ms. Kettle’s love for her students is what got me out of bed every day even though I was so tired of playing the game of school. Ms. Kettle showed her genuine self to us, and as a young adult, I respected that, and felt like I could be my true self with her too. If there was a book we had to read because our old-school principal wanted us to read it, she would tell us that and we would read the book together in class because she knew we would not like it very much. If, however, we were reading a novel of Ms. Kettle’s choosing, she would get us so amped up to read the book that we could not wait to get to the end of it. In addition to inspiring me to actually read required texts, Ms. Kettle encouraged me to be creative in my analytic essays. One day, she even read one of my essays to the class because she thought it was so good, which made me feel like a talented writer. The memory of that experience and the many mornings getting excited about literature with Ms. Kettle have shaped me into the student I am today.
Being in Mr. Clossick’s world religions class during my senior year of high school gave me an appreciation and respect for all people, myself included. Mr. Clossick had so many ways to engage his students and help them take ownership of their education. For example, he taught us the meaning of Buddhist impermanence by letting us shave his head to show us that nothing in life is fixed, rather the self is always changing. During one very special day, Mr. Clossick invited me to teach the class about the Native American tribe I had recently learned about on a pilgrimage to South Dakota. It was under Mr. Clossick’s instruction that I learned instrumental life lessons. An interactive activity on the first day of class taught me that everyone has a different perspective that should be valued, and one particular lesson on Hinduism taught me that my identity would change over time, and that I did not have to categorize myself as a nerd or jock like my peers suggested. As a result of Mr. Clossick’s loving nature his dedication to his students, I grew into a tolerant and knowledgeable human being as a result of his class and constant mentorship.
My high school experience was an extraordinary one because of the teachers who shaped me into the person I am today. Mrs. McKenna’s encouragement in math taught me that achievements come from perseverance and lead to great discoveries. In addition, Ms. Kettle’s honest approach to reading and writing ignited an academic spark in me when I was losing steam that has helped me become the proficient reader, skilled writer, and critical thinker I am today. Last, Mr. Clossick’s loving outlook has had an incredibly lasting impact on the way I interact with others and the way I see myself. All in all, my teachers gave me the tools to achieve both academically and personally. They instilled a love of learning in me and helped me feel confident in my abilities to pursue my interests. Most importantly, my high school teachers acted as my unfaltering support system and continue to encourage me today.